Date of publication 05/08/2025
Among palm trees and endless waves: the best beaches in Riviera Nayarit
Looking for hotels in Riviera Nayarit for your next vacation? Then start at the beginning. In this case, that means exploring its paradisiacal beaches, home to some of the best accommodations on Mexico’s Pacific coast. There, surrounded by palm trees, endless waves, and ancestral rituals that will connect you to the region’s most authentic customs and traditions, you'll discover the mystical side of Mexico—one that often goes unnoticed at first glance.
This article is a coastal map guiding you through its beauty: take your time, and experience it with all your senses wide open.
Playa Destiladeras
Punta Mita
Located between Punta Mita and the town of Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Playa Destiladeras is considered one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in Riviera Nayarit. Its gentle waves and crystal-clear turquoise waters—teeming with marine biodiversity—make it an ideal spot not only for relaxing but also for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Still need more reasons to visit? Think unforgettable sunsets. And that almost cosmic sense of connection you'll feel the moment you step onto the sand.
Just a short distance away, you’ll find Iberostar Selection Playa Mita—one of the most unique family-friendly hotels in Riviera Nayarit. Inspired by the ancient Wixárika and Cora cultures, and offering all the amenities of a modern five-star beachfront resort, this sustainably minded property invites you to experience the roots of Mexican heritage. From its cuisine and entertainment to its spa treatments and 100% locally sourced décor, every detail reflects this philosophy.
Playa La Lancha
Punta Mita
The privileged location of your five-star resort in Riviera Nayarit gives you the unique opportunity to reach Playa La Lancha in no time—a virtually untouched haven where nature and surfing go hand in hand. To access the beach, you’ll need to walk through a short stretch of jungle on foot: that’s where the adventure begins. It continues at a shoreline bathed in emerald hues, bordered by a strip of sand so white and fine it feels almost otherworldly. Nearby, you’ll find additional trails inviting you to keep exploring Riviera Nayarit and immerse yourself in its breathtaking mix of ocean, jungle, and mountains.
Playa El Anclote
Punta Mita
Playa El Anclote is located right next to the main tourist area where some of Punta Mita’s top hotels can be found. It’s an ideal spot for a family vacation in Mexico, offering a wide range of water activities, palapa-style bars and restaurants set right on the sand, and a handful of local craft shops. The atmosphere is lively yet laid-back, making it a fun destination for all ages. With easy access and well-maintained facilities, it’s a great beach for visiting with children—even for babies seeing the ocean for the first time. From here, you can also take boat trips to nearby natural oases like the Marietas Islands.
Playa Careyeros
Punta Mita
Playa Careyeros will win you over first with the clarity of its waters, and then with the sense of peace it radiates. Located near Punta Mita and close to some of the highest-rated hotels in Riviera Nayarit, this quiet, idyllic stretch of coastline invites long moments of sunbathing, soaking in its uplifting energy, and occasional swims among colorful fish. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some endangered species in their natural habitat—like the striking parrotfish or several types of sea turtles. Keep in mind that this is a semi-wild beach, so services are limited, though you’ll find some food and drink stands nearby, as well as a few local vendors offering their goods to visitors.
Playa Las Marietas
Marietas Islands, off Punta Mita
Just a 15-minute boat ride (typically by small boat or catamaran) from your five-star resort in Riviera Nayarit lies the Marietas Islands National Park—a natural Pacific sanctuary and refuge for countless endemic animal and plant species. But there's more to it than that. On the main beach of Las Marietas and throughout the archipelago, Mexican culture takes on a legendary tone: some local stories claim these islets were formed by military geological experiments during World War II, although scientific evidence confirms their volcanic origin predates that era. The must-do activity? Guided birdwatching tours carried out ethically, where you might spot the iconic blue-footed booby, frigatebirds, and pelicans.
Playa Sayulita
Sayulita
No vacation in Riviera Nayarit is complete without a visit to Playa Sayulita—perhaps the most popular and lively beach in this part of Mexico’s Pacific coast. Framed by rocky cliffs, with fine golden sand and vibrant blue waters, it’s known for its upbeat vibe and wide range of leisure options. It’s located in the bohemian coastal town of the same name, a favorite gathering spot for surfers, groups of friends, and active families. Many travelers choose Sayulita as a base for activities like surfing and golf—two sports that perfectly complement the appeal of Nayarit’s coastline.
Playa Las Cuevas
Between Sayulita and Litibú
Looking to wander among sea caves, coastal trails, and turquoise tide pools? Then Playa Las Cuevas is the spot for you. Nestled between the towns of Sayulita and Litibú, this postcard-perfect beach is quiet, remote, and just 60 meters long. Make the most of your visit by uncovering its hidden corners and exploring one of the hiking routes that surround it, with various levels of difficulty and duration. If you're traveling with children, be sure to choose a trail that suits their abilities. Afterward, you can unwind at one of the hotels in Playa Mita, just a 30-minute drive away—and continue your family getaway by discovering even more of Mexico’s coastal treasures.
Playa San Pancho
San Francisco
Also known as Playa San Francisco, San Pancho is a vibrant and cheerful stretch of coastline, known for its gentle terrain and what’s considered one of the most beautiful sunsets in Mexico—and perhaps the world. It’s located in the town of the same name, often referred to as the “cultural capital” of Nayarit, thanks to its artistic and educational initiatives that foster local talent and encourage interaction with visitors. Don’t miss its beach bars and chiringuitos with live music, where travelers and locals gather at the end of the day to raise a glass in true Mexican fashion.
Now that you’ve got a sense of what some of the best beaches in Punta Mita and Sayulita have to offer, the next step is to chart your route through this written map—whichever one suits you best. Iberostar hotels in Riviera Nayarit will be there to welcome you every step of the way.
